Axelrod: Dems Need to Mobilize Minorities, Young People

President Obama’s former White House adviser David Axelrod admitted that Tuesday’s Democratic loss in Florida’s 13th Congressional District is indicative of an Obamacare problem.

Appearing on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Obama’s former political strategist said that the unpopular healthcare law “motivated the Republican base,” allowing Republican David Jolly to defeat Democrat contender Alex Sink. Many political analysts considered the race a referendum on Obamacare and a barometer for things to come in the fall midterm elections.

In November, the Democrats are up against a 17-seat climb in order to reclaim the House of Representatives. If the 13th District in Florida is a bellwether, the Democrats have their work cut out for them.

According to Axelrod, the “real challenge” for Democrats is to inspire young people and minorities to come out and vote in the fall’s midterm elections. “We didn’t do it in 2010, if we don’t do it in 2014, it’s going to be a very difficult year,” he said.

Based on a new WSJ/NBC News poll conducted March 5-10, this task may be even more difficult than Axelrod realizes. The poll suggests that Mr. Obama’s support is softening among blacks, Hispanics, and women.